Road and rail closures as crossing upgrades begin

Network Rail says between September and November, nine level crossings will be upgraded to make them safer

A series of rail and road closures began at the weekend which will affect train passengers and motorists between Guildford and Portsmouth.

Between September and November, nine level crossings will be upgraded to make them safer for all road users, said Network Rail.

It said technology, including obstacle detection and CCTV control, was being installed, allowing a signaller to check the crossing and lower the barriers when safe.

Mark Goodall, Wessex route director for Network Rail, said the closures were "essential to complete the vital upgrade of the Portsmouth direct line".

"By carrying out the majority of work during the autumn half term when fewer people travel, we can minimise disruption while delivering long-term benefits," he said.

Mr Goodall added that Network Rail was "sorry for the disruption this will cause".

The rail operator said there would be line closures between Guildford and Havant over the next four weekends, before a nine-day line closure at the end of October.

The closures dates are:

• 27 September to 28 September

• 4 October to 5 October

• 11 October to 12 October

• 18 October to 19 October

• 25 October to 2 November

The company advised passengers to check before they travel during these periods as services will be revised.

The company says drivers using level crossings between Farncombe and Liss should be aware of upcoming road closures, with details of the road closure dates available on its website.

Road closures will be staggered across a six-week period, with the first closure on Saturday at Liss Common Level Crossing and the final works scheduled to finish on 13 November at Farncombe West.

"Drivers in the area will need to plan ahead and will need to take alternative routes when the roads around level crossings are closed," Mr Goodall added.